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An interesting sub-plot to this year’s Rossendale election is the no-show of UKIP, who gained more than 6,800 votes at the 2015 general election.

In Hyndburn which covers Haslingden, Labour’s Graham Jones is bidding to win the constituency he has held since 2010 including a 4,400 majority last time out, with Conservative Kevin Horkin, Liberal Democrat Les Jones, and UKIP’s Janet Brown also in the running.

In Bury North which covers Ramsbottom, there are just three candidates with Conservative David Nuttall defending a slim majority from 2015 of 378 votes from Labour’s James Frith. Richard Baum is standing for the Liberal Democrats.

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Haslingden High School will get their first taste of democracy with a mock election at school.

The pupils may not yet be old enough to cast a vote in the general election, but will be given the chance to share their views in the school’s mock poll, due to be held today.

Four students will battle it out - Tarek Ahmed, Labour; Hannah Crook, Green; Katie Griffin, Liberal Democrat; and Mia Halstead, Conservative. The students will vote in a polling station specially set up in the within school.